JP6280135B2 - Container, and apparatus and method for manufacturing and filling the container - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for manufacturing and filling containers. The invention further relates to a method of using the apparatus for producing and filling containers and the containers thus produced.

  It is generally known in the technical field of container manufacture to manufacture containers by a stretch blow molding process. In the stretch blow molding process, a parison or "" that is generally tubular and is made of real thermoplastic and has an open end near the opening and a closed end opposite the open end. A “preform” is provided. This preform is placed in a mold having a cavity that generally defines the shape and contour of the container.

  The preform is made of its gold by the action of a working fluid injected into the preform under pressure and by the action of a stretching rod inserted into the opening of the preform. Inflated into the mold cavity. Pressurized fluid causes the preform to expand and expand primarily radially. A stretch rod is advanced into the preform and presses against the opposite inner surface and stretches the inner surface longitudinally into the mold.

  Conventionally, the pressurized fluid injected during the molding of the container is air that is normally heated to facilitate deformation of the preform. However, it is known to use liquids, preferably liquids that must eventually be packed in containers, as working fluids. In this way, the process of forming the container and filling the container with the product is effectively combined to realize significant advantages in equipment cost and production efficiency compared to the air blow type stretch blow molding process To do.

  When filling a container with liquid, it is necessary to leave a small void at the top of the container. This void allows the consumer to open the container without draining the liquid contained in the container and provides compensation for the thermal expansion of the liquid during storage.

  In processes where the manufacture and filling of the containers are performed in separate stages, achieving this void is a relatively trivial problem. In a process configured in this way, a volume of liquid product that is smaller than the total volume of the container by the desired amount is metered into the container during the filling phase, leaving the required void in the container. Just do it.

  However, in a container manufacturing process with integrated molding and filling, this is not a viable option. Specifically, to ensure that the preform is fully expanded into the mold cavity and that all of the resulting container profile is fully formed. A volume of liquid equal to the final total volume of the container must be injected. The resulting container is thus filled to the edge with the liquid product.

  The draw rod occupies a certain volume in the container and retracting the draw rod upon completion of the molding / filling process will create a small amount of void in the vessel. However, especially when thin draw rods are used, the void formed by the movement of the draw rod is not necessarily sufficient to prevent spillage when the container is opened.

  Increasing the diameter of the draw rod will increase the volume of the cavity that is ultimately formed in the container. However, along with this, the gap between the stretching rod and the inner surface of the opening of the container is reduced, preventing liquid injection during the formation of the container. Therefore, it is necessary to remove a portion of the liquid from the container after the injection process is completed.

  One way to achieve this is to remove a small amount of liquid by aspiration, in particular by sucking a portion of that liquid through means for injecting the liquid into the preform during the manufacture of the container. .

  In particular, U.S. Patent No. 6,057,051 discloses a stretch blow molding system in which the stretch rod is hollow and includes at least one port at the distal end through which excess liquid is drawn from the beverage container.

  While this system produces an acceptable filled container, this system has drawbacks in several aspects. First, at least one port in the draw rod must remain sealed during liquid injection, which increases the complexity of the device and the cost of its manufacture and operation. Let Furthermore, in order to gain access to the entire flow path in the stretching rod, the device must be at least partially disassembled, making it difficult and time consuming to clean the flow path in the stretching rod. Furthermore, the dissolved material in the liquid tends to form deposits in the narrow channels and ports, especially when the liquid is mineral water, which tends to cause serious problems. Such deposits require less cleaning and maintenance to reduce the flow through the hollow stretch rod and maintain the efficient functioning of the device.

International Publication No. 2010/003853 (A1)

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing and filling beverage containers that provides a void in a formed and filled container without the disadvantageous aspects of devices known in the art. is there.

  Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention is a mold comprising a plurality of mold segments generally defining a mold cavity in the shape of a container, and further generally having a closed first end. A mold configured to receive a preform that is tubular and that defines a preform cavity communicating with the open opening of the second end, and an injection head, the preform An injection head configured to connect to an opening of an object and to establish fluid communication between a liquid source and the opening; and an injection valve comprising: An apparatus for manufacturing a container comprising an injection valve configured to selectively allow fluid communication therethrough.

  According to the invention, the device is further arranged such that at least one compression means is arranged outside the mold cavity in the retracted position and protrudes into the mold cavity in the extended position. It is characterized by further comprising at least one compression means movable relative to the mold.

  This compresses the container as the compression means is advanced to its extended position, discharging a portion of the liquid from within the container in a simpler, more accurate and economical manner than known in the prior art, Advantageously, it is possible to provide a void in the container.

  In detail, the relationship between the operation of the compression means and the volume of liquid discharged from the container, such as pumps and flow meters, each causing a certain degree of inaccuracy in the discharge of liquid from the container. Compared to this relationship of devices known in the art that require a simple instrument, it is more direct and accurate. The volume of liquid drained from the container is directly proportional to the degree of compression of the container itself as a function of the extension of the compression means into the mold cavity. This improves the accuracy with which the container is filled.

  This device is further advantageous because the cleanliness of its operation is maximized. This device only acts on the outside of the container for draining water, thus minimizing the percentage of the device's surface that can come into contact with liquids, thereby making these surfaces susceptible to contamination. Minimize the effort required to clean and keep clean. Thus, this device would be operated more economically than devices known in the art while maintaining a proper level of cleanliness.

Preferably, said at least one compression means comprises at least one compression tab (compression member) , said at least one compression tab comprising a portion of at least one mold segment of said mold segment, and said mold The mold segment is movable relative to the at least one mold segment and forms a portion of the surface of the mold cavity when in the retracted position.

  This is because the portion of the surface of the compression tab that forms part of the surface of the mold cavity essentially matches the contour of the container that the compression tab contacts when the compression tab is in the extended position. Is advantageous because it will present Thus, the compression exerted on the container by each compression tab is applied in a manner that minimizes localized stresses on the container wall, reducing the possibility of damage to the container and allowing the device to be adjusted Will optimize sex. This makes it possible to more accurately exclude liquid from the container and realize a more accurately filled container.

  Furthermore, the arrangement of at least one compression tab within the at least one mold segment is advantageous because the apparatus is made more compact and space efficient by incorporating the compression means into the mold.

  One feature is that at least one compression means is movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mold cavity.

  This is advantageous because the volume of liquid drained from the container is maximized at the specific distance that the compression means extends into the mold cavity. Thus, at a certain maximum extension of the compression means within the mold cavity, the maximum volume of liquid that can be discharged by the device is increased. Therefore, configuring the compression means to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mold cavity improves the efficiency of the apparatus and the shape of the container that can be produced To expand the range.

  Another feature is that at least one compression means extends into the mold cavity in an area where the diameter of the mold cavity is locally reduced.

  This means that the compression means is arranged to act on the container in a region that is more likely to deform than anywhere else on the surface of the container as a result of the locally reduced diameter of the mold cavity. This is advantageous. Thus, the specific extension of the compression means into the mold cavity will cause a larger volume of liquid to be drained from the container, which is the versatility of the device in the production of properly filled containers. And improve efficiency.

  Another feature is that when the compression means is in the extended position, the compression means are arranged to extend into the mold cavity with a generally uniform angular spacing from each other about the longitudinal axis of the mold vacancy. A plurality of compression means are provided.

  This results in a symmetrical compression of the container as a result of the advancement of the compression means into the mold cavity, and as a result of this, in a specific advancement of the compression means into the mold cavity, the uniform container This is advantageous because it causes compression and maximized drainage of liquid from the container. In addition, the arrangement of the compression means at substantially uniform angular intervals allows the generally uniform arrangement of the compression means to minimize stress concentrations at the container wall and thereby damage the container as it discharges liquid from the container. This avoids damaging the container by the compressive force exerted on the container by the compression means. Therefore, this device is made more effective and versatile.

  As yet another feature, at least two compression tabs are disposed in one of the mold segments.

  This is advantageous because by providing multiple compression tabs in one of the mold segments, a greater degree of control over the discharge of liquid from the container will be achieved. Each of the compression tabs affects the compression of the container exerted by each of the other compression tabs, increasing the overall compression of the container, depending on the degree to which each compression tab is extended into the mold cavity. Or reduce it. By manipulating the extension of each compression tab, a greater degree of adjustment to the discharge of liquid from the container will be achieved.

  This is especially true when compression tabs are placed along the length of the container. In particular, a plurality of compression tabs arranged in this manner will act on the container in the area of the compression tabs depending on the ease of deformation of the compression tabs. A compression tab that is located in a region that has greater deformability will drain a larger volume of liquid at a certain degree of elongation, or vice versa. By adjusting the extension of each tab of the at least two compression tabs, both rough and fine adjustments to liquid discharge are achieved, thereby maximizing the accuracy with which the device can be operated.

  As yet another feature, the injection valve is disposed within the injection head coaxially with the nozzle of the injection head, and the injection valve is seated within the nozzle when in the closed position.

  This is advantageous because the injection valve is integrated in the injection head. This makes the entire device more compact and also reduces the volume of the device's liquid flow path between the injection head nozzle and the injection valve. This improves both the accuracy and responsiveness of the injection head and the flexibility of the position of the injection head within the device.

  In yet another feature, the apparatus further comprises a stretch rod, the stretch rod being movable relative to the preform along the longitudinal axis of the preform, and the preform. The closed first end of the molding is configured to press against the inner surface of the preform.

  This means that the action of the draw rod facilitates the deformation of the preform along the longitudinal axis of the preform, so that the device produces a container with a more elongated appearance than without the draw rod. Would make it possible to do. This enhances the versatility of the device and the expansion of the range of containers where other advantages of the container may be realized.

  In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a container, the method providing a preform that is generally tubular, the preform having a closed first end. Defining a preform cavity having and communicating with the opening at the open second end, and a mold comprising a plurality of mold segments and generally defining the shape of the container Disposing a preform at least partially in a mold having a cavity, and disposing an injection head over an opening in the preform, the injection head comprising the opening and Establishing fluid communication with the liquid source, allowing the injection valve to selectively allow fluid communication through the injection head, and injecting a volume of liquid into the preform cavity The liquid flows through an injection head and an open injection valve. From the source to the preform cavity, thereby causing the preform to expand to the contour of the mold cavity to form a container; and from the retracted position outside the mold cavity, the mold Extending at least one compression means into an extended position protruding into the mold cavity, whereby the container is compressed and a portion of the liquid in the container is thereby discharged through the injection head; Closing the injection valve, thereby preventing fluid communication between the container and the liquid source, and withdrawing the injection head and at least one compression means from the container.

  This is advantageous because such a method will realize the advantages of the apparatus described above in the manufacture and filling of containers. This method will therefore produce and fill containers more accurately and economically with higher cleanliness and reliability than methods known in the prior art.

  In one feature, the at least one compression means comprises a portion of at least one mold segment of the mold segment and is movable relative to the at least one mold segment of the mold segment. And a compression tab that forms a portion of the surface of the mold cavity when in the retracted position.

  This means that providing at least one compression means as a compression tab according to the above description minimizes local stresses on the container wall and maximizes the adjustability of liquid discharge, as described above. This is advantageous because it will result in a compressive force being applied to the container.

  In another feature, there is a step for separating the mold segments between the pouring step and the stretching step.

  This allows the container to be deformed by at least one compression means in such a way that the separation of the mold segment is otherwise limited by the presence of the mold segment. Therefore, this method is made more versatile and the range of applicable applications is expanded.

  In addition, the mold segment separation is located completely outside the mold and extends into the mold cavity through the gap formed during the stage for separating the mold segments. Allows the use of compression means. In the method implemented in this way, the surface of the mold cavity is not interrupted by at least one compression means or otherwise obstructed, and the witness mark from such interruptions. ) Is produced. This improves the quality of the containers produced by this method.

  In yet another feature, during the pouring step, a stretch rod is inserted into the preform cavity through the opening in the preform, and the stretch rod is inserted into the closed first end of the preform. It is pushed into the inner surface of the part, causing the preform to deform along its longitudinal axis.

  This is advantageous because it allows for the manufacture and filling of containers in many different forms, as described above.

  In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a container produced by the method described above.

  This is advantageous because such containers embody the advantages described above.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

  In the accompanying drawings, non-limiting examples are shown.

1 is a perspective view of an exemplary stretch blow molding apparatus according to a first embodiment in the form of a partially exploded arrangement. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary stretch blow molding apparatus according to a first embodiment in the form of an assembled arrangement. FIG. FIG. 2 is an orthogonal cross-sectional view of the injection head of FIGS. 1A and 1B with the injection valve closed. 2 is an orthogonal cross-sectional view of the injection head of FIGS. 1A and 1B with the injection valve open. FIG. FIG. 2 is an orthogonal cross-sectional view of the injection head and container of FIGS. 1A and 1B at the completion of the injection phase. FIG. 2 is an orthogonal cross-sectional view of the injection head and container of FIGS. 1A and 1B during extension. FIG. 2 is an orthogonal cross-sectional view of the injection head and container of FIGS. 1A and 1B when closed. FIG. 2 is an orthogonal cross-sectional view of the injection head and container of FIGS. 1A and 1B during the drawing stage. FIG. 2 is an orthogonal cross-sectional view of the injection head and container of FIGS. 1A and 1B after the drawing stage. FIG. 5 is an orthogonal cross-sectional view of the device according to the second embodiment, viewed from the side, just before the extension stage. FIG. 3 is an orthogonal cross-sectional view of the device according to the second embodiment, viewed from above, immediately before the extension stage.

  1A and 1B are perspective views of an exemplary stretch blow molding apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows the device in the form of a partially exploded view. The apparatus 100 comprises a base mold segment 101 and two side mold segments 102A, 102B. The base mold segment 101 includes a base recess 103 that generally defines the base of the container, while the side mold segments 102A, 102B include side recesses 104A, 104B, respectively, each of the side recesses. Generally defines half of the body of the container. Base recess 103 and side recess 104 together define a mold cavity 105, and the mold cavity generally defines the shape of the container.

  The side recesses 104A, 104B each cooperate to form a mold hole 107 that communicates with the top surface 106 of its respective side mold segment 102A, 102B and communicates with the mold cavity 105. . A preform 108 is disposed in the mold cavity 107, the preform 108 is generally tubular in shape, and has a closed end 109 and a preform cavity 112 in the preform 108. And an opening 110 at the open end 111 that communicates.

  In this embodiment of the invention, the mold segments 101, 102A, 102B are shown as generally independent components, each capable of a maximum range of operation independent of the other two. However, to limit its range of motion relative to each other, or to realize that the mold segments are connected to each other by means such as rails or sliders, a linkage between the mold segments or other It would be preferable to realize such a connecting portion.

  In FIG. 1A, the preform 108 is shown removed from the mold cavity 105 for clarity of illustration. However, it should be understood that the preform 108 is positioned such that the preform is generally within the mold cavity 105. Preferably, the preform 108 includes a flange 113 that will rest on the top surface 106 of the side mold segment 102. The top surface 106 will further comprise a preform seat 114 disposed around the mold hole 107, which will position the flange 113 of the preform 108 and mold the mold. A preform 108 is placed in the cavity 105 and centered.

  It is preferred that the open end 111 of the preform 108 protrudes from the top surface 106 of the side mold segments 102A, 102B, and at the same time, therefore, the rest of the preform 108 is laterally displaced from the base recess 103. Located in the mold cavity 105 defined by the recess 104.

  The apparatus 100 further includes an injection head 115. The injection head 115 includes a nozzle 116 that is configured to fit into the opening 110 of the preform 108 to form a fluid tight seal with the opening 110. The injection head 115 further comprises an extension rod 117 shown in this figure in a slightly elongated form from the nozzle 116. The injection head 115 is coupled to the fluid source 118 such that a volume of fluid is directed from the fluid source 118 through the injection head 115 and out of the nozzle 116. The fluid source 118 is regulated by an infusion valve, which in this example is located in the infusion head 115 or optionally outside the infusion head, eg, a pumping unit Or it could be located in other such fluid handling systems.

  Further, in FIG. 1A, the injection head 115 is moved by the arm 119 with a positioning mechanism so that the injection head 115 translates in each of the six main axes 120 to position the injection head itself over the opening 110 of the preform 108. It is fixed to. However, it should be understood that the injection head 115 need not be configured in this manner. Depending on the integration of the molding device 100 into the shape of the production line as a whole and in particular the configuration of the molding device, for example, the injection head 115 translates along the vertical axis with respect to the mold segments 101, 102. It would only be necessary to provide the means. The exact configuration of this device will be determined by one skilled in the art according to the specific requirements of the implementation.

  FIG. 1B shows the mold apparatus in an assembled configuration, with the mold segments 101, 102 A, 102 B being abutted together to form a mold 121 that defines the mold cavity 105. Yes. The preform 108 is generally disposed within the mold cavity 105 and the injection head 115 is disposed above an opening (not shown) in the preform 108 that protrudes from the mold cavity 105. Yes. In this state, the injection head 115 inflates the preform 108 into the contour of the mold cavity 105 to form a container for injecting a specific amount of liquid into the preform 108. Are ready for.

  2A and 2B show cross-sectional views of the injection head 115 according to the embodiment of the invention of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 2A shows the injection head 115 in the closed state before the injection phase, and FIG. 2B shows the injection head 115 in the open state during the injection phase.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the injection head 115 includes an outer shell 200 that generally includes a body section 201 and a nozzle 116 that fits into the opening 110 of the preform 108. As described above, it is configured to communicate with the preform cavity 112 in the preform 108.

  The injection head further comprises an injection valve 202 disposed in the outer shell 200 and defining an injection head cavity 203 between the two. The injection head cavity 203 is thus provided in fluid communication with the nozzle 201.

  The injection valve 202 includes a valve body 204 having a tapered portion 205 in the nozzle 201 and a valve seat formed from a portion of the inner wall 207 of the outer shell 200 configured to fit the tapered portion 205. 206. Thus, when in the closed position shown in FIG. 2A, the valve body 204 prevents fluid communication between the injection head cavity 203 and the preform cavity 112.

  In some embodiments, the injection head 115 includes means for sealing the joint between the injection head 115 and the preform 108 and ensuring liquid tightness between the two. Would be advantageous. In other embodiments herein, fluid tightness between the injection head 115 and the preform 108 is achieved by a force 208 that forces the injection head 115 into the preform 108.

  The extending rod 117 is disposed coaxially within the valve body 204, and the extending rod 117 and the valve body 204 are movable relative to each other independently. The valve body 204 itself is arranged coaxially with the valve seat 205 and the nozzle 201, so that the entire group of the nozzle 201, the valve body 204, the valve 205, and the extending rod 117 is aligned along the vertical axis 211. Is arranged in. Although the stretching rod 117 is preferably moved by an electric actuator, other means such as hydraulic cylinders and pneumatic actuators may be used instead.

  FIG. 2A shows the injection head 115 before the injection phase. The valve body 204 is seated on the valve seat 206 and prevents fluid communication through the injection head 115 and prevents the flow of liquid 212 through the nozzle 201. The draw rod 117 is fully retracted into the injection head 115.

  FIG. 2B shows the injection head 115 during the injection phase. The stretch rod 117 is advanced into the cavity 112. The stretch rod 117 is advanced into the closed end (not shown) of the preform 108 and causes the preform to extend along the longitudinal axis 211.

  Shortly thereafter, the valve body 204 is withdrawn from the valve seat 206 to allow the liquid 212 to flow through the nozzle 201 of the injection head. Liquid 212 is injected by flow 214 into the cavity 112 of the preform 108 to further expand the preform 108, which is a mold cavity (shown) in which the preform is contained. That the preform has a shape that is not).

  FIGS. 3A through 3E show the injection head 115 and container 300 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively, upon completion of the injection phase, during the extension phase, during the closure phase, during the extraction phase, and after the extraction phase. These will be explained in turn. 3A-3E are mold cavities configured to generally define the shape of the container, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B (omitted for clarity of explanation). The container 300 contained therein is roughly shown.

  FIG. 3A shows an injection head 115 and a container 300 according to a second embodiment of the present invention at the completion of the injection phase. As shown in FIG. 2B, the valve body 204 is retracted from the valve seat 206 to allow fluid communication between the injection head cavity 203 and the container cavity 301 of the container 300. The draw rod 117 has been fully advanced into the container 300, and the container 300 has taken on its full final shape, and the entire container cavity 301 is filled with liquid 302. .

  FIG. 3B shows the injection head 115 and the container 300 during the extension phase. The compression means 303A, 303B are schematically shown in this figure, and the compression means 303A, 303B are advanced in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 211 of the container 300, and the container 300 is moved in its direction. Compress at the waist 305 of the container 300.

  It should be understood that the exact shape of the compression means 303A, 303B will be selected by those skilled in the art to work best together with the mold and the container manufactured in the mold. Thus, the compression means could be tongs or pliers, bars, levers, pneumatic or hydraulic bladders, or any other such shape as appropriate for the particular application.

  When the compression means 303A, 303B are extended into the mold cavity occupied by the container 300, the container 300 is deformed so that the discharge portion 306 of the liquid 302 passes from the container 300 into the container opening 307. Through and into the injection head cavity 203 of the injection head 115.

  In this embodiment, the compression means 303A, 303B are such that the volume of the discharge portion 306 and also the volume of the void remaining in the container 300 is about 11 times smaller than the volume of the container 300 before the expansion stage. It is advanced into the mold cavity. Thereby, the container 300 comprises a predetermined volume of liquid and a cavity having a volume approximately equal to 10% of the volume of the liquid 302.

  Of course, it should be understood that this embodiment is exemplary. The exact volume of the discharge portion 306 and even the exact volume of liquid remaining in the container 300 will be adjusted directly by adjusting the extension of the compression means 303A, 303B into the mold cavity, And may vary from 10% volume ratio as needed for the particular application.

  FIG. 3C shows the injection head 115 and the container 300 during the closing phase. The valve body 204 is again seated on the valve seat 206, closing the fluid communication between the injection head cavity 203 and the container cavity 301, while the compression means 303A, 303B remain in their extended state. The seating of the valve body 204 on the valve seat 206 prevents further liquid 302 from entering the container 300.

  FIG. 3D shows the injection head 115 and the container 300 during the drawing phase. The injection head 115 is withdrawn from the opening 307 of the container 300 to allow communication between the container cavity 301 and the ambient atmosphere. Then the compression means 303A, 303B are withdrawn from the container 300, allowing the container 300 to return to its normal volume. A portion of air 308 will be sucked into the container cavity 301 resulting in a first cavity 309. The volume of this first cavity 309 is approximately equal to the volume 302 of liquid drained from the container 300 during the expansion phase shown in FIG. 3B.

  FIG. 3E shows the injection head 115 and the container 300 upon completion of the drawing phase. The stretch rod 117 is fully retracted from the container cavity 301, creating an enlarged second cavity 310. The second cavity 310 is the volume of the first cavity 309 and the volume of the portion of the stretch rod 117 advanced into the container cavity 301 during the above-described injection phase shown in FIG. 2B. Have a volume approximately equal to the sum.

  4A and 4B are orthogonal cross-sectional views of the device 400 according to the second embodiment, viewed from the side and above, respectively, immediately before the extension stage.

  FIG. 4A shows a device 400 in which there is a mold 401 that defines a mold cavity 401 ′ that is generally in the shape of a container 402, which is injected by injection of a specific volume of liquid 402 ′. It has been manufactured in the mold cavity.

  The mold 401 comprises a base mold segment 403, a first side mold segment 404 for the right side of the container, and a second side mold segment 405 for the left side. The base mold segment 403 and the second side mold segment 405 are generally solid parts, but the first side mold segment 404 includes an upper compression tab 406 and a lower compression tab 407. .

  In this embodiment, the upper compression tab 406 is positioned proximate to the waist 408 of the container 402 that is formed where the radius of the mold cavity 401 ′ is locally reduced. The lower compression tab 407 is disposed near the leg 409 at the base of the container 400. However, the positioning of the compressed tab or tab array will vary depending on the particular application in which the compressed tab is used.

  Both the upper compression tab 406 and the lower compression tab 407 are movable relative to the first side mold segment 404. The upper compression tab 406 is movable along the upper axis 410 and the lower compression tab 407 is movable along the lower axis 411. Furthermore, both the upper axis 410 and the lower axis 411 are perpendicular to the common longitudinal axis 412 of the mold cavity 401 ′ and the container 402.

  The movement of the upper compression tab 406 and the lower compression tab 407 is preferably independent of each other. Since the upper compression tab 406 is located at the waist of the container 402, it deforms the container 402 to a greater degree and, therefore, the specific compression into the mold cavity 401 'relative to the lower compression tab 407. At a certain degree of elongation, a larger volume of liquid 402 'will be discharged. Thus, by adjusting the extension of the upper compression tab 406 and the lower compression tab 407, both in absolute terms and relative to each other, it is possible to finely adjust the discharge of the liquid 402 'from the container. is there.

  FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the device 400 viewed from above with an upper compression tab 406 that can be seen just prior to the expansion phase. The upper compression tab 406 has a curved contact surface 413 that is configured to form a portion of the surface of the mold cavity 401 ′ in which the container 402 is disposed. Thus, in this case, the upper compression tab 406 will exactly conform to the portion of the surface of the container 402 on which it acts.

  Note that in this embodiment, one upper compression tab 406 and one lower compression tab 407 are provided. In other embodiments, it may be preferable to include a plurality of compression means acting at a specific radius of the container, preferably in a generally uniform angular arrangement about the longitudinal axis of the container. For example, two upper compression tabs that are 180 ° apart from each other and three lower compression tabs that are 120 ° apart from each other, or the surface of a container that is in a different configuration and 90 ° apart from each other There are cases where four compression means and the like acting at yet another position are provided. The exact number, location and configuration of the compression means will depend on the particular characteristics of the container being manufactured and will be selected by those skilled in the art according to these and other factors.

  FIG. 4B further shows the placement of the first and second side mold segments 404, 405 just prior to the extension phase. In this embodiment, the second side mold segment 405 is generally held in the same closed position as the closed position used during manufacture of the container. This opening of the device prior to the extension phase will provide space for partially absorbing the deformation of the container 402.

  However, in some embodiments, the second side mold segment 405 'shown in this figure is instead put into the second side mold segment in the open position shown in this figure. It may be advantageous to place 405 '. Opening the device prior to the extension phase will provide a void for partially receiving the deformation of the container 402.

  The open position exhibited by the second side mold segment 405 'further provides a compression gap 414 between the first and second side mold segments 404, 405', with the outer compression tab 415 being the outer side. Allows it to be advanced into the mold cavity 401 ′ along the compression axis 416. The use of the outer compression tab 415 is particularly advantageous because it does not form part of the surface of the mold cavity 401 'and therefore does not leave mold lines or other traces on the container. This is particularly beneficial when a high quality surface finish is required on the container 402.

  The precise configuration and operation of the invention to be implemented may vary from the foregoing description without departing from the inventive principles described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is illustrative rather than limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by any claims that may be derived at least in part from the invention.

  In particular, it should be understood that great possibilities for changing and adapting the number, shape and arrangement of the compression means can be envisaged. Furthermore, it should be understood that the closure means may be integrated into the segments of the mold itself, or alternatively may be provided separately.

  Further, although the embodiments disclosed herein use compression means arranged to act in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mold cavity, it will be appreciated that the mold cavity It is possible to configure the compression means to act in any direction with respect to the container and the container therein. In particular, in certain circumstances, compression means are provided in the base mold segment and act in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mold cavity and from the bottom of the mold cavity into the mold cavity. It may be advantageous to compress the container. The exact configuration of the compression means will be adapted to the specific application for which the device containing the compression means is to be used.

  Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings. Changes may be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, particularly with respect to the configuration of the various elements, or by replacement of technical equivalents.

Claims (10)

An apparatus (100, 400) for producing a container (300, 402),
A plurality of mold segments (101, 102A, 102B, 403, 404) that generally define a mold cavity (105, 401 ') in the shape of the container (300, 402); 405) and is configured to receive a generally tubular preform (108) having a closed first end (109) and an open second end (111). A mold defining a preform cavity (112) in communication with the opening (110) of
An injection head (115), coupled to the opening (110) of the preform (108) and in fluid communication between a liquid source (118) and the opening (110) An injection head (115) configured to establish
An injection valve (202), the injection valve (202) being configured to selectively allow fluid communication through the injection head (115);
In an apparatus comprising:
The device (100, 400) is further arranged such that at least one compression means (303A, 303B, 406, 407) is arranged outside the mold cavity (105, 401 ') in the retracted position, and , At least one compression means (303A, 303B, 406) that is movable relative to the mold (121, 401) so as to protrude into the mold cavity (105, 401 ') in the extended position. 407) ,
The at least one compression means (406, 407) comprises at least one compression member (406, 407);
The at least one compression member (406, 407) comprises a portion of at least one mold segment of the mold segment (404) and is against the at least one mold segment of the mold segment (404). The device (100, 400), characterized in that it forms a part of the surface of the mold cavity (401 ') when in the retracted position. The at least one compression means (303A, 303B, 406, 407) is movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (211 412) of the mold cavity (105, 401 ');
The apparatus (100, 400) according to claim 1 . The at least one compression means (303A, 303B, 406) is inserted into the mold cavity (105, 401 ') in a locally reduced area (408) of the mold cavity (401'). Extend,
Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 2 (100, 400). When in the extended position, the mold cavities (105, 401 ') are spaced at substantially uniform angular intervals around the longitudinal axis (211, 412) of the mold cavities (105, 401'). A plurality of compression means (303A, 303B, 406, 407) arranged to extend;
Apparatus (100, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . At least two compression members (406, 407) are disposed within one of the mold segments (404);
The apparatus (400) of any one of claims 1 to 3 . The injection valve (202) is disposed in the injection head (115) coaxially with the nozzle (201) of the injection head (115),
The injection valve (202) is seated in the nozzle (201) when in the closed position;
Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 5 (100, 400). It is movable relative to the preform (108) along a longitudinal axis (211) of the preform (108), and the closed first of the preform (108). A stretch rod (117) configured to press against the inner surface of the preform (108) at the end (109);
Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 6 (100, 400). A method of manufacturing a container (300, 402) comprising:
Providing a preform (108) that is generally tubular, comprising:
The preform (108) has a closed first end (109) and is in communication with an opening (110) in the open second end (111) (112). )
Stages,
A mold comprising a plurality of mold segments (101, 102A, 102B, 403, 404, 405) and having a mold cavity (105, 401 ') that generally defines the shape of the container (300, 402) Placing the preform (108) at least partially in the mold (121, 401);
Placing an injection head (115) over the opening (109) of the preform (108),
The injection head (115) establishes fluid communication between the opening (109) and a liquid source (118);
An infusion valve (202) selectively allows fluid communication through the infusion head (115);
Stages,
Injecting a volume of liquid (302, 402 ') into the preform cavity (112);
The liquid (302, 402 ') flows from the fluid supply (118) to the preform cavity (112) through the injection head (115) and the open injection valve (202);
This causes the preform (108) to expand to the contour of the mold cavity (105, 401 ') to form a container (300, 402).
Stages,
At least one compression means (303A, 303B, 406, 407) from a retracted position outside the mold cavity (105, 401 ') to an extended position protruding into the mold cavity (105, 401'). A stage of stretching,
This compresses the container (300, 402),
Thereby, a part of the liquid (302, 402 ') in the container (300, 402) is discharged through the injection head (115).
Stages,
Closing the injection valve (202), thereby preventing fluid communication between the container (300, 402) and the liquid source (118);
Wherein the injection head (115) at least one compression means (303A, 303B, 406, 407) viewed including the steps of pulling a from said container (300,402), a,
The at least one compression means (406, 407) constitutes a portion of at least one mold segment of the mold segment (404) and is applied to at least one mold segment of the mold segment (404). A compression member (406, 407) that is relatively movable with respect to and forms a part of the surface of the mold cavity (401 ') when in its retracted position . The step of separating the mold segments (101, 102A, 102B, 403, 404, 405) further exists between the step of injecting and the step of extending,
The method of claim 8 . During the pouring step, a stretch rod (117) is inserted into the preform cavity (112) through the opening (110) of the preform (108) and the stretch rod (117). Is pushed into the inner surface of the closed first end (109) of the preform (108) so that the preform (108) deforms along its longitudinal axis (211, 412). Further characterized by causing
The method according to any one of claims 8 9.

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